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 to let me prove that I am not quite the—the bounder you evidently think me now. I'm mighty sorry that I've started wrong, sorry that I've annoyed you when that was the last thing in my mind to do. I plead guilty to selfishness this afternoon, but that is all. I did think of pulling the signal-cord and stopping the train. But the prospect of being able to talk to you and spending a few hours in your company got the better of me. I'm sorry and I beg your pardon. I shall be outside until the train comes. If you should want anything, please let me do for you at least as much as you would allow a stranger to do. I promise you that I will not attempt to presume any further on your—good-nature."

He bowed, turned and went out onto the platform. Prue's gaze followed him until the door had closed. Then she dropped her eyes to the point of the shoe on the railing, staring at it with a puzzled frown. Presently her face cleared, the corners of her mouth went up and there sounded in